Golf club grip with a drip control device

ABSTRACT

A golf club grip having a drip control device positioned at an end of the grip closest to the club head. The drip control device can be an add-on unit adapted to be placed on the club shaft with a standard golf grip, or after a standard grip is placed on the club shaft. The drip control device can be made of an elastic material, such as rubber, which can be stretched to fit over the club and fit tightly about the shaft. The drip control device is preferably cup-shaped with an opening having an outside diameter that is not substantially greater than an outside diameter of the butt-end of the grip. The opening can positioned so as to catch water that drips down the club shaft.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention is directed to a grip for a golf club designed to prevent water or other liquid from dripping down the golf club shaft and onto the holding surface of the grip. More particularly, the present invention relates to a drip control device positioned at an end of the grip closest to the club head. The drip control device is preferably shaped to collect or deflect water dripping down the club shaft and thereby prevent it from reaching the area of the grip where the user's hands hold the club during a shot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to the field of golf accessories in general, and in particular to a device that can be used by a golfer to keep the grip of a golf club dry when the club is inverted, such as when the club is stored in a golf bag.

[0003] Golf clubs are often used in rainy conditions, and as rain falls, drops land on the shaft and head of a golf club. After use, the typical golfer will put the club back into a golf bag with the grip end toward the bottom of the bag. Water that has accumulated on the head and shaft of the club will run down the length of the shaft across the grip and off the butt-end of the club. The next time a golfer uses the club, the grip will be wet, thereby inhibiting proper hand grip on the club.

[0004] There are many different devices in the prior art for keeping both individual and multiple golf clubs dry in inclement weather. Some of these devices include a slip-on cover or bag designed to be positioned over the grip when the club is not being used. The cover prevents moisture from forming on the grip keeping the grip drier for use.

[0005] Another device in the prior art is a mitt-type apparatus that is secured to the club around the grip. The user places his or her hands on the grip by slipping them through an opening in the mitt. Some form of tensioning device is used to maintain at least a partial seal of the mitt around the grip and/or the user's hands. The mitt prevents moisture from forming on the grip when the club is not in use, and further prevents moisture from reaching the grip while the club is in use.

[0006] In yet another known device, the grip is covered with a terry-cloth material . While the material is useful for absorbing moisture on the users hands, obviously if too much moisture is accumulated the cloth becomes soaked.

[0007] While all of the aforementioned prior art constructions perform the basic purpose and function for which they have been specifically designed, several problems arise with their use. For example, each of the above-described devices is large. When a club is not being used, it is stored in a golf bag, with the grip end in the bottom and club head at the top. Generally, there is limited space for club storage in a golf bag. These large devices permit less space when the clubs are in the bag, making it difficult to remove or replace a club from the bag.

[0008] In addition, none of the prior art constructions makes provisions for preventing water that drips down the shaft from the club head from reaching the grip while the club is stored; nor do they provide means for protecting the grip portions of golf clubs from dew or ground water, which will drip down the club shaft from the club head if the club is laid on the ground. In addition, the prior art devices require a significant amount of manipulation for the user to grasp the club before each shot.

[0009] As a consequence of the foregoing problems, a longstanding need has existed for a new type of grip protection device that will prevent water from reaching the grip portion of a golf club when the club is inverted in the golf bag, while not taking up too much room in the bag or requiring undue manipulation to grasp the club. In addition, there is a desire to protect the grip from water which may run down the shaft of a club if a golfer lays the club down on the ground and then puts the club in the bag. The provision of such a construction is a stated objective of the present invention.

[0010] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a simple and relatively small drip control device that will deflect or collect water before the water can reach the grip, so that the grip remains relatively dry for use.

[0011] It is a further object of the invention to provide improved elements and arrangements thereof in an apparatus for the purposes described which is inexpensive, dependable and fully effective in accomplishing its intended purposes

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] The present invention proposes an improved golf grip which overcomes the shortcomings of the prior inventions. The golf grip according to the present invention provides a drip control device positioned at an end of the grip closest to the club head.

[0013] According to one aspect of the present invention, the drip control device can be an add-on unit adapted to be placed on a club with a standard golf grip, or after a standard grip is fitted onto the club shaft. According to this aspect of the invention, the drip control device is made of an elastic material, such as rubber, which can be stretched to fit over the butt-end of the club shaft and fit tightly about the shaft. The drip control device is preferably cup-shaped with an opening having an outside diameter that is not substantially greater than the outside diameter of the butt-end of the grip. The opening is preferably positioned so as to catch water that drips down the club shaft.

[0014] According to another aspect of the present invention, the drip control device is integrally formed on the grip during manufacture thereof. According to this aspect of the invention, the drip control device is preferably cup-shaped with an opening having an outer diameter not substantially greater than an outside diameter of the butt-end of the grip. The opening is preferably formed at a position so as to catch water that drips down the club shaft.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] In order that the invention will become more clearly understood it will be disclosed in greater detail with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0016]FIG. 1a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a first embodiment of the present invention;

[0017]FIG. 1b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 1a;

[0018]FIG. 2a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0019]FIG. 2b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 2a;

[0020]FIG. 3a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0021]FIG. 3b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 3a;

[0022]FIG. 4a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

[0023]FIG. 4b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 4a; and

[0024]FIG. 5a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

[0025]FIG. 5b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 5a;

[0026]FIG. 6a is a longitudinal, cross-sectional view of a golf club shaft having a grip with a drip control device according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

[0027]FIG. 6b is an end view of the golf grip shown in FIG. 6a.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0028] As seen by reference to the drawings, FIGS. 1a and 1 b illustrate a first embodiment according to the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1a, the golf grip that forms the basis of the present invention is designated generally by the reference numeral 10. Grip 10 can be formed by any known technique. Grip 10 fits over golf club shaft 11 and is adhered thereto by any number of well known techniques in the art. Typically, a golf club shaft is tapered from end-to-end. The club head end usually has a smaller diameter then the butt-end. Hole 12 is formed in the butt-end of grip 10. At the other end of grip 10, a drip control device 13 is formed.

[0029] In the embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1 b, drip control device 13 is formed integrally with grip 10. Drip control device 13 is cup-shaped and spaced radially from shaft 11 so as to form a reservoir 14 around the circumference of shaft 11. The base 15 of drip control device 13 is formed so as to be tightly engaged with shaft 11 to prevent water that accumulates in reservoir 14 from seeping between the inside wall of grip 10 and shaft 11. FIG. 1b illustrates an end view of drip control device 13 and reservoir 14 formed around shaft 11.

[0030] According to this embodiment of the invention, as water runs down shaft 11, from the club head toward grip 10, it will accumulate in reservoir 14 and be prevented from reaching that portion of grip 10 where the user's hands will be placed. As the club is drawn out of a golf bag, water is maintained in reservoir 14 until the user turns the club over to place the club head on the ground. Water will then be poured out of reservoir 14 toward the ground. Grip 10 remains substantially dry during wet conditions.

[0031]FIGS. 2a and 2 b illustrate a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment, grip 10 also has a drip control device 13 formed integrally on an end thereof. Drip control device 13 again forms a reservoir 14 around shaft 11. In this embodiment, the base 25 of drip control device 13 is thicker than the device illustrated in FIGS. 1a and 1 b. This increased thickness of base 25 provides greater stability for reservoir 14 and helps to centralize and strengthen reservoir 14 around shaft 11. As seen in FIG. 2a, the outside diameter of reservoir 14, as indicated by arrows 26 should not be substantially greater than the outside diameter of grip 10 at the butt-end of shaft 11. This ensures that drip control device 13 will take up no more room in the golf bag than grip 10.

[0032]FIGS. 3a and 3 b illustrate a third embodiment of the invention. According to this aspect of the invention, grip 10 comprises a grip portion 30 and a drip control device 31. Drip control device 31 is formed separately from grip portion 30, and is preferably made from a relatively rigid rubber material or plastic. Drip control device 30 includes reservoir 32 formed therein to enclose club shaft 11. Base 33 of drip control device 31 can be removably attached to shaft 11 or the end of grip portion 30.

[0033] According to this embodiment of the invention, as water runs down shaft 11 from the club head toward grip 10, it will accumulate in reservoir 32 and be prevented from reaching grip portion 30 where the user's hands will be placed. As the club is drawn out of a golf bag, water is maintained in reservoir 32 until the user turns the club over to place the club head on the ground. Water will then pour out of reservoir 32 toward the ground. As such, grip portion 30 remains substantially dry, even during inclement conditions. Preferably, reservoir 32 is detachably sealed to shaft 11 so that water running down the shaft cannot seep under end portion 33.

[0034]FIGS. 4a and 4 b illustrate a fourth embodiment of the present invention. According to this embodiment of the invention, grip 10 includes a grip portion 40 and a drip control device 41. Reservoir 42 is formed in drip control device 41 in a similar manner as the above-described embodiments. Grip portion 40 and drip control device 41 are formed separately, drip control device 41 preferably being made of a relatively rigid rubber or plastic material. Drip control device 41 includes a sleeve 43 that is insertable under grip portion 40, against shaft 11. Sleeve 43 is dimensioned to ensure a substantially water-tight fit around shaft 11.

[0035]FIGS. 5a and 5 b illustrate a fifth embodiment according to the present invention. In this embodiment grip 10 comprises a grip portion 50 and a drip control device 51 that are integrally formed as one piece. Drip control device 51 includes reservoir 52, which includes one or more support ribs 53. Support ribs 53 provide additional support for reservoir 52 and assist in maintaining centralization of reservoir 52 about shaft 11. While shown as integrally formed, this embodiment could also be formed as two separate elements, a drip control device 51 and a grip portion 50. The elements would be formed in a manner similar to that described above.

[0036]FIGS. 6a and 6 b illustrate a sixth embodiment according to the present invention. Since most golf grips are made of a soft rubber or elastomer material, the reservoir could be damaged when engaged by other clubs during insertion or removal from the golf bag. In this embodiment, reservoir 62 includes a stiffening sleeve 63. The stiffening sleeve 63 can be plastic or metallic and encompasses reservoir 62, adding strength to reservoir 62 at the end of grip 10. Sleeve 63 can be “press-fitted” into the elastomer or rubber end of the grip 10, or can be held in place by an adhesive. The sleeve may have a tapered end to facilitate assembly into the open end of grip 10. Sleeve 63 should be of a diameter which is larger than the diameter of the butt-end of shaft 10, so that sleeve 63 can slide over the butt-end of shaft 10.

[0037] While each of the above described embodiments illustrate a drip control device formed as a reservoir to trap water running down the shaft, the drip control device could also be formed as an umbrella-like shield that would direct water running down the shaft away from the grip portion. This type of drip control device could be used in each of the above-described embodiments in stead of the described reservoir.

[0038] The above detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the invention sets forth the best mode contemplated by the inventor for carrying out the invention at the time of filing this application and is provided by way of example and not as a limitation. Accordingly, various modifications and variations obvious to a person of ordinary skill in the art to which it pertains are deemed to lie within the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A grip for a golf club, comprising: a drip control device positioned at an end of the grip so as to surround a shaft of the golf club, the drip control device having an outer diameter that is not substantially greater than an outside diameter of a butt-end of the grip.
 2. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein the drip control device is integrally formed with the grip.
 3. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein the drip control device is formed separate from the grip and is positioned on the shaft so as to abut an end of the grip closest to a head of the golf club.
 4. A grip for a golf club according to claim 3, wherein the drip control device further comprises a collar adapted to fit between the grip and the shaft.
 5. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein a stiffening sleeve is incorporated into the reservoir.
 6. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein the drip control device is cup-shaped and includes a reservoir adapted to catch water dripping down the shaft from a head of the golf club toward the grip.
 7. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein the drip control device comprises a base formed therein that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 8. A grip for a golf club according to claim 1, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 9. A grip for a golf club according to claim 2, wherein the drip control device comprises a base that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 10. A grip for a golf club according to claim 3, wherein the drip control device comprises a base portion formed therein that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 11. A grip for a golf club according to claim 2, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 12. A grip for a golf club according to claim 3, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 13. A golf club comprising: a club head; a shaft coupled to the club head; a grip connected to the shaft, and comprising an elongated body that extends along longitudinal axis defined by the shaft; and a drip control device located at an end of the grip closest to the club head and surrounding the shaft, the drip control device having an outside diameter that is not substantially greater than an outside diameter of a butt-end of the grip.
 14. A golf club according to claim 13, wherein the drip control device is integrally formed with the grip.
 15. A golf club according to claim 13, wherein the drip control device is formed separate from the grip and is positioned on the golf club so as to abut an end of the grip closest to a head of the golf club.
 16. A golf club according to claim 15, wherein the drip control device further comprises a collar adapted to fit between the grip and the shaft.
 17. A golf club according to claim 13, wherein the drip control device is cup-shaped and includes a reservoir adapted to catch water dripping down the shaft from a head of the golf club toward the grip.
 18. A golf club according to claim 13, wherein the drip control device comprises a base that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 19. A golf club according to claim 13, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed in between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 20. A golf club according to claim 14, wherein the drip control device comprises a base that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 21. A golf club according to claim 15, wherein the drip control device comprises a base that is thicker than a remaining area of the drip control device to stabilize and centralize the drip control device around the shaft.
 22. A golf club according to claim 14, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 23. A golf club according to claim 15, wherein the drip control device comprises at least one support rib formed between an outer wall of the drip control device and the shaft.
 24. A grip for a golf club according to claim 13, wherein a stiffening sleeve is incorporated into the reservoir. 